The Underwater Podcast

Send us Fan MailWilliam Drumm: Wildlife Photography, Brand Marketing, and Shooting Billie Eilish’s Album CoverIn this episode of the Underwater Podcast, host Brett Stanley talks with underwater photographer, filmmaker, and content creator William Drumm about building a career between wildlife photography and brand marketing, and the story behind directing Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft album cover shoot. William shares how a childhood obsession with holding his breath turned into a marine biology degree, a stint as a cell biologist in Seattle, and a string of press trips that convinced him to go all in on photography. They discuss working in Monterey Bay, shooting for PBS’s Big Pacific documentary, and moving from stills into video as the licensing math changed underneath him. William walks through how a set of whale images from Tonga led to Billie Eilish’s team reaching out, what it took to recreate the open ocean inside a Hollywood studio tank, and how that one shoot reshaped his business toward brand marketing through Drumm Media. They close out talking about AI’s growing presence in wildlife and commercial photography, and what it means for authentic work going forward.00:00 Meet William Drumm00:58 Hot Tub Breath Holds01:36 Jellyfish Bucket in Australia02:47 Scuba Certified at Twelve04:51 Discounted Gear and First Strobe Shot06:48 Marine Biology and a Day Job in Science08:36 First Press Trips: Puffins and Polar Bears10:58 Carhartt Sponsorship and Early Paydays13:36 Lighthouse Keeper on Puffin Island16:48 Choosing Photography Over Science18:14 Monterey Bay and Shooting Big Pacific20:36 Shift from Stills to Video23:36 Stock Footage and Licensing25:14 Moving Back to Denver, Pivoting Into Brand Marketing30:58 How Billie Eilish’s Team Found Him32:47 Recreating the Ocean in a Studio Tank36:14 Directing a Hollywood Crew37:36 The Flooded Monitor Housing41:58 Working With Billie in the Water45:21 The Album’s Most Challenging Shot48:36 Instagram Growth After the Shoot51:36 Founding Drumm Media55:14 Social Media, SEO, and AI Search1:02:47 The Ethics of AI Images and Wildlife1:06:00 Underwater Portraiture as Art1:07:36 Influences and Closing ThanksSupport the showDiscuss the episode in our facebook group.Read Waterproof Magazine.Support the podcast.

Send us Fan MailIn episode #63, host Brett Stanley talks with freedive instructor and Florida Springs conservationist David Cobiella about learning comfort and efficiency underwater, comparing freediving and scuba, and protecting the Florida Springs. David shares how he grew up scuba diving, later discovered freediving in the springs, and co-founded a nonprofit to organize underwater cleanups that led him to teaching and guiding. They discuss spring access and conditions, the underground cave and river systems, and why David pursued cave-diving certification while dialing back risk. David explains coaching beginners through fear, buoyancy, and safety, including recognizing and responding to shallow-water blackout, and outlines major threats to springs (reduced flow from water extraction and nutrient pollution fueling algae) plus strategies like reforming water-management governance and buying land to prevent overdevelopment.Follow this guest: Instagram, WebsiteSupport the showDiscuss the episode in our facebook group.Read Waterproof Magazine.Support the podcast.

Send us Fan MailIn episode #62 host Brett Stanley chats with with Italian photographer Fran Reina, who is now based in Mexico. They talk about her love of water travel and how she transitioned from a dive guide to underwater portrait photographer shooting in the cenote, near Ply del Carmen.She also lets us in on her business processes, how having a studio assistant made all the difference and what's involved in letting someone else into your business.Follow this guest: Instagram, WebsiteSupport the showDiscuss the episode in our facebook group.Read Waterproof Magazine.Support the podcast.

Send us Fan MailIn episode #61 host Brett Stanley chats with surf and underwater photographer Erick RegnardErick, along with his brother Ian, created an underwater housing for a 5x4 large format polaroid camera 20 years ago, and shot some incredible photographs with it in Tahiti.We talk about how they built the camera and housing, the technical issues they had to overcome, and what it’s like to shoot 1 frame an hour for 3 weeks.Follow this guest: Instagram, WebsiteEpisode SummaryIn this episode of the underwater podcast, the host Brett Stanley interviews surf and underwater photographer Eric Renard, who along with his brother Ian, built an underwater housing for a 4x5 large format Polaroid camera 20 years ago. They shot breathtaking images in Tahiti, overcoming technical challenges, and capturing photos at a rate of one per hour for three weeks. Eric discusses the intricacies of their custom-built camera housing, the pros and cons of using a flat port versus a dome port, their meticulous pre-shot preparations, and the emotional and physical demands of the project. They also touch on the philosophical aspects of photography, the transition from film to digital, and the joy of tackling complex projects. Eric shares insights on their other photographic endeavors, the limitations and occasional frustrations of working with film, and the unique satisfaction derived from creating art the hard way, free from the shortcuts offered by digital technology.Support the showDiscuss the episode in our facebook group.Read Waterproof Magazine.Support the podcast.

Send us Fan MailIn episode #60 host Brett Stanley chats with underwater Fine Art photographer Lexi Laine.Lexi’s work is beautiful and painterly, and mostly shot in the clear waters of the ocean, which adds a level of difficulty for her as she lives in England - not a land known for its visibility - so she travels the world in search of perfect locations to shoot in.We talk about her approach to photographing in the ocean around Europe, freediving the cenotes of Mexico, and what she likes about selling her work at art shows.Follow this guest: Instagram, WebsiteEpisode SummaryWhat if you could transform the ocean's mystique into ethereal art? Join us as we uncover the world of Lexi Lane, an underwater fine art photographer whose captivating work transports viewers into the magical depths of the ocean. Lexi's passion takes her from the coastal waters of Europe to the hauntingly beautiful cenotes of Mexico, pushing the boundaries of what underwater photography can achieve. Our conversation dives into the logistical and artistic challenges she faces, from choosing between scuba diving and freediving to selling her evocative pieces at art shows.Lexi shares the technical nuances of her craft, revealing the secrets behind her use of vintage Nikonos cameras and the unpredictability of film over digital formats. We discuss the creative potential of technical errors, the importance of manual control in cameras, and the joys and frustrations of working with strobes underwater. Lexi's journey is a testament to the dedication required to capture the ocean's essence, and her insights offer valuable tips for both aspiring and seasoned photographers.Our discussion doesn't stop at the technical aspects of underwater photography. Lexi delves into the evolution of her artistic themes, from personal introspection to powerful environmental commentary. She explains how the organic beauty of natural water settings outweighs the controlled environment of a studio pool, and how the use of props can turn a shoot into a storytelling masterpiece. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about underwater art, offering a treasure trove of inspiration and practical advice from one of the field's leading talents.Support the showDiscuss the episode in our facebook group.Read Waterproof Magazine.Support the podcast.

Send us Fan MailIn episode #59 host Brett Stanley chats with Australian director Nays Baghai about his career in underwater filmmaking.They talk about his new documentary Diving in to the Darkness, and what it was like to bring the life of renowned Cave Diver Jill Heinerth to the big screen - and the many challenges that came along with it.Nays talks in detail about the creation of the film, what influences him as a film maker, and how he got his start in underwater way back in film school.Watch the film during a special screening presented by Scuba Diver Magazine.Follow this guest: Instagram, WebsiteDescriptionWhat drives an underwater filmmaker to risk it all for the perfect shot? This week, we sit down with Australian director Nase Baghai, whose passion for marine biology and storytelling has led him to the depths of perilous underwater caves. Nase shares his remarkable transition from a Sydney film student to a groundbreaking documentary filmmaker, shedding light on his latest project, "Diving Into the Darkness," which chronicles the adventurous life of esteemed cave diver Jill Heinerth. Nase reveals how he combines traditional filmmaking with the unique challenges of underwater cinematography to create compelling, authentic documentaries.Journey with us as we uncover the intricate creative process behind adapting Jill Heinerth's thrilling story from book to screen, featuring a non-linear narrative inspired by masterpieces like "Godfather 2." Nase recounts the serendipitous meeting with Jill at a dive conference that sparked their collaboration, and elaborates on the mutual respect that has fueled their partnership. We also touch on Nase's personal challenges, including his journey to become cave-certified, which allowed him to direct in the high-risk environments where the documentary was filmed. This conversation highlights the dedication and resilience required to bring such powerful real-life stories to the screen.In our final segments, Nase delves into the complexities of capturing cave diving expeditions on film, emphasizing the critical role of teamwork and meticulous preparation. From assembling a talented crew to mastering underwater communication, Nase shares the logistical hurdles and innovative solutions that make these shoots possible. We also explore his preference for working with a small, agile team, influenced by his documentary background. Hear about his pioneering use of animation to recreate past decades in his films and get a glimpse of his excitement for future projects. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone passionate about the intersection of filmmaking and underwater exploration.Support the showDiscuss the episode in our facebook group.Read Waterproof Magazine.Support the podcast.

Send us Fan MailIn episode #58 host Brett Stanley chats with Christina Karliczek Skoglund, an underwater wildlife and feature film cinematographer.Christina grew up on the coast of Sweden, dreaming of shipwrecks, but it was a trip to New Zealand and Australia as a teenager that really gave her a taste for the underwater world of film.They talk about her work with the BBC and National Geographic, and how she was massively inspired by her Aunt, Jutta Hosel Waters - one of the first women to officially work in Antarctica out of Australia in 1976.Follow this guest: Instagram, Website---------Episode SummaryIn this episode, host Brett Stanley interviews Christina Karliczek Skoglund, an accomplished underwater cinematographer and director, to delve into the intricate challenges and experiences she has faced in her career. Christina shares the difficulties of filming marine life, specifically sharks, which involve both technological hurdles like unpredictable shark hatching and environmental challenges like algae growth and adverse weather conditions. Her work requires a high level of adaptability and flexibility, as the unpredictable nature of wildlife filming demands readiness for any situation.Christina discusses her transition to directing, motivated in part by the practical need to have more control over her schedule during her pregnancy. Currently, she is engaged in natural history shows and is preparing for a new personal project, alongside her work in underwater cinematography for feature films.The conversation also touches on the decision-making process during shoots, emphasizing the importance of experience and situational assessment in determining whether to continue or halt a shoot due to unfavorable conditions or unforeseen circumstances.Throughout the episode, Christina and Brett explore the significance of community, collaboration, and mutual inspiration within the underwater cinematography field. They reflect on the value of listening and learning from other creators, highlighting the interconnected and supportive nature of the community.Christina's insights provide a profound understanding of the dedication, adaptability, and passion required in the specialized field of underwater cinematography, shedding light on both the technical and creative aspects of capturing the captivating world beneath the waves.Support the showDiscuss the episode in our facebook group.Read Waterproof Magazine.Support the podcast.

Send us Fan MailIn episode #57 host Brett Stanley chats with French underwater portrait photographer Alison Bounce.Growing up far from the ocean in the middle of France, Alison had a life long fear of water which she hoped to overcome by moving to the coastal city of Nice and starting her love affair with underwater photography.Since then she’s built her business around her gorgeous prints, working on removing the colour blue from her palette, and literally writing the book on underwater portraiture. Follow this guest: Instagram, WebsiteEpisode SummaryIn this episode, acclaimed underwater photographer Alison Bounce shares her remarkable journey in the world of aquatic imagery. The conversation delves into her experiences, ranging from the technical aspects of underwater photography to the emotional depth encountered during shoots.Alison recounts a perilous incident during a shoot in Australia where she found herself in a life-threatening situation. Her poignant description of the harrowing moment, intertwined with the humorous realization that her client inadvertently became her savior, adds a layer of suspense and genuine human connection.The episode takes an emotional turn as Alison narrates a transformative shoot with Magali, a cancer survivor. Magali's strength and vulnerability shine through as Alison captures her underwater, showcasing the therapeutic power of photography in overcoming life's challenges. The subsequent exhibition featuring these poignant images becomes a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.Listeners are offered a glimpse into the intricacies of Alison's artistic process, from handling technical equipment to the challenges of selecting the perfect image to convey a message. The conversation also touches on Alison's foray into videography, exploring the potential to expand her business and provide clients with a more immersive experience.Alison concludes by sharing her upcoming project—an exhibition intertwining mythology, art, and ecology, aimed at raising awareness about the critical state of the environment. This fusion of visual storytelling and advocacy reflects Alison's commitment to using her art to inspire change.Tune in to this episode for a captivating exploration of the artistry, challenges, and profound human connections within the realm of underwater photography. Alison's anecdotes serve as a powerful reminder of the impact visual storytelling can have on both the artist and the subjects immortalized beneath the waves.Support the showDiscuss the episode in our facebook group.Read Waterproof Magazine.Support the podcast.

Send us Fan MailIn episode #56 host Brett Stanley chats with John Ellerbrock - owner and President of Gates Underwater Housings. Gates have been a staple in the world of underwater imaging since the late 60’s when Elwyn Gates started building the first products in his garage, and created a thriving business. John talks about the history of Gates, how he got involved, and what it takes to build camera housings for some of the worlds best cameras.We discuss the manufacturing process, where Gates housings are being used, and where he sees the industry going in the future.Follow this guest: Instagram, WebsiteSupport the showDiscuss the episode in our facebook group.Read Waterproof Magazine.Support the podcast.

Send us Fan MailIn episode #55 host Brett Stanley chats with Underwater Camera Operator and Photographer Jenny Baumert. Jenny fell in love with underwater photography at the Brooks Institute in California, but quickly moved in to cinematography. She’s worked on commercials and music videos, and just finished up shooting the title sequence for Netflix’s Merpeople docuseries. They talk about shooting 1000 frames per second underwater on the phantom high speed camera, how she made the move from camera tech to operator, and how drinking Timothy Leary’s ashes with Susan Sarandon totally changed her visual style.Follow this guest: Instagram, WebsiteDiscuss the episode in our facebook group.Read Waterproof Magazine.Support the podcast.Support the showDiscuss the episode in our facebook group.Read Waterproof Magazine.Support the podcast.